Caregivers for Yarmouth toddler who died say he was making progress overcoming challenges

YARMOUTH — Lucas Braman saw more than his share of upheaval before his short life ended suddenly Thursday morning. But the red-haired, cake-loving 23-month-old had been thriving in the past few months, said the two women who had custody of the boy.

The death of the child, who was found unresponsive in his crib, remains under investigation. The cause of death is unclear, but Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe said Friday the investigation so far does not point to suspicious circumstances. Preliminary autopsy information may be available early next week.

In an interview at their home on Friday, Elizabeth Cavallini and Sheryl Erb said the child’s death was a heartbreaking tragedy that came as they were working hard to make his life richer, happier, and healthier, and to help him overcome a range of emotional and behavioral problems.